Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast, where he has received a question from a listener about the pros and cons of a garden shredder and the wonders of woodchip

Allotment update: Using the woodchip to protect plants over winter

Richard heads down to the allotment this week where a delivery of woodchip has been mysteriously arriving. Richard uses this woodchip in a variety of ways on the allotment, adding to compost bins or making paths.

But the real use Richard has used this woodchip for is to mulch over some of his garden beds. By using this woodchip as a mulch like this, Richard hopes to protect the roots and crowns of some plants from a heavy frost. It also should reduce weeds and water loss as well as looks great on the plot too!!!!

Tool care of the week: The wheelbarrow

After using the wheelbarrow a lot Richard noticed his wheelbarrow was in need for some tlc. So back in his workshop he took some time to oil the wheel and paint some chipped areas.

Richard wheelbarrow has some special rotating handles from a company called Itip. These handles are great for taking the strain off the wrist as the handles rotate while manoeuvring the wheelbarrow. Making it much easier to use and much less likely to cause injury.

If you want to find out more about these please visit itiphandles.com

Chef Scott's recipe of the week

This week Chef Scott has another fantastic recipe for you. Its a smoked haddock, chorizo and leek risotto.

This recipe had our mouths watering just hearing about it and we cant wait to cook this ourselves.

Vegetable garden update: Shredding for woodchip.

In the vegetable garden this week, Richard has got his shredder out and is shredding a few branches from a tree.

A garden shredder is a useful tool for shredding woody material, turning it into small pieces which are great to use in a variety of ways such as

Mulch

For the chikens to scratch and dig through

reducing the volume to fit more in the council garden waste bin

Adding to the compost bin to produce a much finer compost in a quicker time.

Richard has had his shredder for a few years now and wouldn't be without it. If you are interested in a garden shredder then perhaps the newer model of The one that richard uses might be of interest to you. Click this link to view. Please note that this is an amazon affiliate link and we might earn a commission if you use this link.

So sit back and enjoy this weeks podcast. Don't forget to rate and review on your podcast provider.